6 psychological techniques that will help to better understand others

Use these techniques to be a discerning person and to better understand other people’s emotions and beliefs.

In today's world, where communication plays a key role in both personal and professional life, the ability to understand others becomes an important skill. Understanding the emotions, motivations, and beliefs of others contributes to building strong relationships, effective teamwork, and successful communication. In this article, we will look at six psychological techniques that will help you become a more insightful and empathetic person.



1. Active hearing
Active listening is not just hearing words, but full attention to the interlocutor, understanding his thoughts and feelings.

How to use active listening:

• Maintain eye contact: This shows your interest and respect for the speaker.
• Use nonverbal signals: Nods, smiles and facial expressions show that you are involved in the conversation.
• Rephrase and clarify: Repeat in your own words to make sure you understand correctly.

“The most important thing in communication is to hear what has not been said.” – Peter Drucker

2. Empathy.

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and feel their emotions.

Developing empathy:

• Listen without judgment: Accept the other person’s feelings and experiences without criticism.
• Pay attention to the emotions: Not only the words, but also the tone of your voice, body language.
• Practice compassion: Try to understand what another person is going through.

3. Mirror reflection

Mirror reflection is a technique in which you repeat some gestures, poses or phrases of the interlocutor to create a sense of unity and trust.

How to use a mirror image:

• Copy facial expressions and gestures: This helps establish a nonverbal connection.
• Use similar expressions: Repeat some words or phrases to show understanding.
• Be natural: Do not overdo it so as not to appear insincere.

People feel closer to those who reflect their behavior. - Dale Carnegie.

4. Understanding the context

To fully understand the interlocutor, it is important to consider the context of his words and actions.

How to consider the context:

• Find out more about the situation: Understanding the environment and circumstances helps to better interpret messages.
• Pay attention to past experience: Relationship history can influence the perception of current conversations.
• Consider cultural differences: Different cultural backgrounds can influence the interpretation of words and gestures.

5. Ask open-ended questions

Open questions stimulate deeper and more meaningful answers, which helps to better understand the interlocutor.

Examples of open questions:

• How do you feel about that?
• How did you come to this decision?
• What is important to you in this situation?

Avoid “yes” or “no” questions to encourage more detailed answers.

6. Self-reflection

Understanding others begins with understanding yourself. Self-reflection helps you become aware of your own emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

How to practice self-reflection:

• Keep a diary: Write down your thoughts and feelings to better understand your reactions.
• Meditate: Mindfulness practices help improve emotional perception.
• Analyze the interactions: After the conversation, think about what went well and what can be improved.

To understand others, one must first understand oneself. - Socrates.

Conclusion

Understanding others is an art that requires attention, empathy, and practice. Using these six psychological techniques, you can improve your interpersonal relationships, become more insightful and empathetic person. Real understanding begins with a sincere desire to understand the other person and respect their feelings and beliefs.

Real understanding comes when we stop judging and start listening. - Unknown author.

Start using these techniques today and you will notice how your relationship will become deeper and more meaningful.